[1000mp] System gain in the 1000MP station

[lhlousek]

>Now, 6 dB may not mean much when the band is
>wide open but 6 dB will put you right on top of a pileup when you
>otherwize were just part of the masses.  In fact 1 or 2 dB may
>do the same.

>You also have feedline loss, antenna gain, type of antenna,
>height of antenna, receiver noise figure, etc.

You left out the noise figure of the XYL.

All the losses and effects you mention are there equally with 200 or 800 W.  Six
dB is still 6 dB.  IMO, 6 dB will make virtually no change in success rate and
is totally inconsequential compared to being at the right place at the right
time in a pile up.  The only time 6 dB would be of benefit is when your signal
is buried in noise at the limit of detection.  BTW, a change in level of 1 dB is
generally taken to be the amount just detectable by the human ear under perfect
conditions.

Of course 6dB might significantly reduce your success rate if you start RFIing
your neighbors, interfering with the XYL's telephone calls, etc..

This is only in my very limited experience as I only work CW and then mostly
QRP.

Lou W7DZN